Outlook for kidney cancer

The outlook for kidney cancer largely depends on how big the tumour is and how far it has spread by the time it's diagnosed.

If the cancer is still small and hasn't spread beyond the kidney, surgery can often cure it. Some small, slow growing cancers may not need treatment at first.

A cure isn't usually possible if the cancer has spread, although treatment can sometimes help keep it under control. Some people become ill quickly, but others may live for several years and feel well despite their cancer.

Overall, around 7 in every 10 people live at least a year after diagnosis and around 5 in 10 live at least 10 years.